People EXPECT government to be like Google, YouTube or Amazon. They expect to be able to find what they want, when they want it. They expect services to be available online--and on their phones.
Government is seen by many as far behind the private sector, and maybe there's some truth in that. But government can also be an innovator and an incubator for implementing new technologies. I have seen it.
I decided to try and put together a blog to share info and to talk about technology, communications, service, government and, most importantly, pulling it all together. That is, how do we use technology and communications tools to make government more useful, more efficient and more transparent?
First, you need to know what you are trying to do (goals are good). Second, you need to know what's out there (there is alot!). Third, you need to figure out how to use it (to meet the goals you set First). Fourth, you need to be able to evaluate it (did it work? what did you learn?) That's what we'll try and do here.
It's a great time for creative people.
About this blog
This is my personal blog and mine alone. Thoughts, opinions, links, endorsements do not express the views of my employer, organizations I belong to, my colleagues or friends. Just me. Blame me.
About comments: I hope that you will read and comment, ask questions and make suggestions. I would just ask that you simply stay on topic, respect other people’s opinions, avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal content, and other unpleasantries. Since this is my personal blog, I reserve the right to reject any comment. It's great if you'd identify yourself, but don't worry. I won't spam or sell any of your information. That wouldn't be right.
Your turn
Let me know what you think via email gwynne at ondotgov.com or via twitter @gwynnek
A bit about me
My name is Gwynne Kostin. I like talking to interesting people and figuring out how things work.
I gotta say that I really hate talking about myself--unless it's funny or I can wax on about my (awesome) kids. I think I am borderline ADD--so I'm always on to the next thing as soon as I've solved a problem. So good for me that my work is constantly changing.
I was lucky to have jumped in--head first--to the Internet in 1994, when I founded a successful Internet start-up for a big association. This taught me the most important lesson of all--it's not the technology but the way you use technology. Ways that solve real problems that real people are experiencing.
After we surpassed all the participation and revenue goals, I moved on to lead strategic Web communications and integrated branding and marketing. Next (and now), I entered the federal service, where I get to drive interactive communications and "new media" for a big government agency. And, to share with and continue to learn from you.
On the radio
- TIME's Top 50 Web Sites: No Feds, In Depth on Federal News Radio, Sept. 2009
- Wrestling with Change, Blog Talk Radio, August 2009
- How to Improve Your Website, with Sheila Campbell on Federal TechTalk, Federal News Radio, March 2009.
You can see all the requisite professional stuff on LinkedIn.
Posts
1 comments:
Dave Fletcher and I both want to thank you for your comments on utah.gov. As you know this is an evolving site and we are working to make the interface as effective as possible from a task/use perspective. Look for many more changes and improvements to come, and thanks again for the constructive observations.
Post a Comment
I hope that you will read and comment, ask questions and make suggestions. I just ask that you simply stay on topic, respect other people’s opinions, avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal content, and other unpleasantries. Since this is my personal blog, I reserve the right to delete any comment.